The Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) announced its receipt of funds from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to distribute to businesses in the Region who experienced damage to property and inventory due to the recent severe weather events.

While the loan program will be available to businesses in all 72 counties, the Madison Region Economic Partnership (MadREP) was among regional entities identified by WEDC to launch the program in the areas of the state that were hit hardest by the flooding.

"More than 160 businesses in the region were impacted by the recent severe weather and flooding, and our partnership with MadREP will provide a short-term source of funds to help them quickly recover from this disaster," said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state's lead economic development organization. "For many small businesses owners, the unexpected costs associated with weather-related damage can be devastating, and this program will help offset some of the financial hardships."

On Friday, October 19, the Wisconsin Games Alliance (WGA) built upon the momentum of M+Dev 2017 and welcomed over 400 game developers, designers and enthusiasts to the Alliant Energy Center for a day of networking and learning. Guests traveled from states away, leading Milwaukee Magazine to declare that this year, the "M" in M+Dev clearly referred to Midwest.

University students, including a group from UW-Stout's Game Design and Development program, soaked up the opportunities to speak directly with speakers. The packed house enjoyed two keynotes from national industry leaders: Alyssa Finley, former director of production at the recently shuttered studio Telltale Games, and Tim Gerritsen, studio head at Madison's Fantasy Flight Interactive and a founding member of the WGA.

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers are studying placentas from births at a local hospital to identify structural changes in fetal membranes that could help determine when a premature birth is likely to occur.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports the Morgridge Institute for Research this month began studying four placentas from UnityPoint Health-Meriter. The study could examine up to 70 placentas, which are typically discarded.

Stratatech to expand tests of its skin tissue on pediatric burn patients

Stratatech is starting a test of its StrataGraft skin tissue to see how well it works on children who have suffered serious burns.

It's the first time the Madison company - a subsidiary of British-based Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals - will study the use of its engineered skin tissue on pediatric burn patients; up to now, only adult patients have gone through the treatment in clinical trials.

Dairy Organizations Ask for More Aid from USDA As Retaliatory Tariffs Impact Profits

Dairy organizations in Wisconsin say the U.S. Department of Agriculture hasn't done enough to help dairy farmers suffering from the effects of increased tariffs.

The National Milk Producers Federation sent a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue this week saying the agency's new program to help farmers impacted by retaliatory tariffs, called the Market Facilitation Program, has done little to compensate for lost sales and lower milk prices.

Increased tariffs cost Wisconsin companies an estimated $54 million this summer and a panel of manufacturers said Thursday the Trump administration's actions are hurting their short-term profitability and making it difficult for them to compete over the long-term.

"We're just setting ourselves up for constrained economic growth," said Mary Isbister, president of Mequon-based GenMet Corp.

Tech executive Demetria Menard, who learned how to write computing code as a high-school student and later became the chief operating officer for one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing companies, will speak the reception in Madison. Menard has more than 15 years of experience in the tech industry, working as a programmer, manager and executive.

The cost is $25 for Early Stage Symposium registrants, $25 for Women's Entrepreneurship Day Wisconsin participants, $10 for students and returning veterans, and $50 for general admission. .

The Wisconsin Technology Council expects over 600 attendees from across the country and offers more opportunities than ever before for companies to interact with angel and venture investors from Wisconsin and beyond.

In addition to the Tech Council Investor Network's presentation tracks and the ever-popular Elevator Pitch Olympics, they are expanding their speed-dating segment - "Investor Intros" - allowing entrepreneurs to introduce themselves and their ideas to investors.

Are you struggling with where to go next in your career? Afraid to go for a promotion, or trying to figure out how to continue building skills to maximize your impact?
Many of us have self-limiting beliefs that keep us from having careers we love.

A growth mindset helps you understand that change is possible. You'll learn to get clear on your goals and intentions, identify limiting self-beliefs, and create a plan of action to move yourself forward in your career.

International Business: Making the Most of your Human Resources, November 13

Achieving maximum efficiency in human capital resources while staying compliant with international employment laws, maintaining team cohesiveness and extending company culture to foreign offices is a challenge.

Is your company taking the right steps to growing your international team? Attend the November 13th MITA event and learn how to navigate the complexities of international employment law and develop and foster high-performing international teams.

RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

RBDG funds must be directed for projects benefiting rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.